Friendly environment

Good teachers

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My Experience Studying MA Social Work at Middlesex University, Hendon Studying for my MA in Social Work at Middlesex University, Hendon has been a transformative and rewarding journey that shaped my academic, professional, and personal development. The course offered a strong balance of theory and practice, equipping me with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to become a reflective and competent practitioner. The academic structure was well organised and focused on real-world application. Key legislation such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983, and Equality Act 2010 were integrated throughout the modules, helping me understand the legal responsibilities that underpin social work. I particularly valued learning about anti-oppressive practice, diversity, and social justice, which encouraged me to think critically about inequality and discrimination in society. The modules under the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), especially PCF3 (Diversity and Equality) and PCF4 (Rights, Justice, and Economic Wellbeing), deepened my awareness of how social workers can promote fairness and human rights. The lecturers at Middlesex University were knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive. Many were experienced practitioners who used real-life examples to bring theory to life. Their encouragement and constructive feedback were vital in building my confidence and understanding of complex topics. They also showed genuine care for students’ wellbeing, which made the learning environment inclusive and supportive. The most impactful part of the course was the practice placements. My first placement was at Mind in Haringey, where I worked with people experiencing mental health challenges. I supported service users through wellbeing activities, assessments, and community engagement programmes. This placement helped me develop strong communication, empathy, and organisational skills. My second placement was with Brent Council, where I gained hands-on experience in statutory adult social work. I participated in assessments, care planning, and safeguarding meetings. This placement gave me a clear understanding of how legislation, policy, and ethics are applied in everyday social work practice. Together, both placements enhanced my confidence and professional capability. Middlesex University’s diversity and inclusive culture made my experience even richer. I studied alongside students from different backgrounds, which broadened my perspective and prepared me to work effectively in multicultural environments. Although the workload was intense at times and communication between departments could be improved, the overall experience was highly positive. Middlesex University provided me with the professional foundation, resilience, and values to thrive as a social worker committed to equality and social justice.

The MA Social Work course at Middlesex University, Hendon offered a truly enriching and transformative experience. The course combined theoretical learning, research, and practical placements, which together prepared me to become a confident, reflective, and capable social worker. One of the best aspects of the course was the blended learning approach, which combined in-class teaching with online sessions. This format offered flexibility while maintaining strong academic engagement. The in-class sessions were highly interactive, encouraging critical discussion and group work, while the online sessions allowed space for reflection and independent study. The structure worked well, especially for students balancing academic and personal commitments. Another strength was the support and accessibility of lecturers. Many were experienced practitioners who brought real-world insights into the classroom, connecting theory to practice. Their teaching was engaging, inclusive, and grounded in current social work policies and legislation, such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983, and Equality Act 2010. The lecturers also provided regular feedback and were approachable for one-to-one guidance, which made a significant difference to my academic development and confidence. The placements were the highlight of the course. My experiences at Mind in Haringey and Brent Council gave me hands-on exposure to both voluntary and statutory sectors. At Mind, I worked closely with people experiencing mental health challenges, developing skills in assessment, communication, and advocacy. At Brent Council, I gained experience in statutory social work, safeguarding, and multidisciplinary collaboration. These placements strengthened my understanding of how theory, law, and ethics are applied in real-world settings. However, the course was also demanding. The workload was intense, particularly when balancing placement hours, assignments, and academic deadlines. There were moments when communication between departments could have been more efficient, especially regarding placement arrangements and timetable updates. Occasionally, online sessions lacked the same depth of engagement as in-person classes. Despite these challenges, the overall experience was excellent. The course provided me with the professional knowledge, practical skills, and emotional resilience essential for a career in social work. Middlesex University’s supportive learning environment, diverse student community, and strong focus on social justice made it a truly valuable educational experience.